When Should You See a Fertility Specialist in Lagos?
Trying to conceive can be an exciting but sometimes stressful journey. If you have been trying to get pregnant without success, you may wonder when it is time to seek professional help. Knowing when to see a fertility specialist in Lagos can help you understand the possible causes of difficulty conceiving and identify the appropriate next steps.
Fertility challenges can affect both women and men, and there can be several possible reasons why pregnancy has not occurred. A fertility specialist can assess your individual circumstances, recommend appropriate investigations and discuss treatment options where necessary.
What Is a Fertility Specialist?
A fertility specialist is a healthcare professional who helps evaluate and manage problems related to conception and reproductive health.
Fertility care may involve assessing both partners, identifying possible factors affecting fertility and recommending appropriate treatment based on the findings.
At Arctic Gynae Centre, fertility care forms part of our comprehensive reproductive health services. Our Gynaecology services include fertility workups and treatment for patients experiencing difficulty conceiving.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
There is no single situation that applies to everyone. However, there are several circumstances in which speaking with a fertility specialist may be appropriate.
1. You Have Been Trying to Conceive Without Success
If you have been trying to become pregnant without success, a fertility assessment can help identify possible factors affecting conception.
Your age, medical history, menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies and other factors may influence when you should seek an evaluation.
Rather than continuing to guess about the cause, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional can help you understand your options.
2. You Have Irregular or Absent Periods
Your menstrual cycle can provide useful information about reproductive health.
Irregular, very infrequent or absent periods may sometimes be associated with hormonal or reproductive conditions that can affect ovulation.
Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also affect menstrual cycles and fertility.
A gynaecologist can assess your symptoms and determine whether further investigation is appropriate.
You can learn more about these concerns through Arctic’s Gynaecology services.
3. You Have a History of Reproductive Health Problems
Some medical conditions can affect fertility or make conception more difficult.
These may include:
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- PCOS
- Certain ovarian conditions
- Previous pelvic infections
- Some hormonal disorders
- Previous reproductive surgery
Having one of these conditions does not necessarily mean that you will be unable to become pregnant. However, discussing your reproductive health with a qualified healthcare professional can help you understand your individual circumstances.
4. You Have Experienced Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
If you have experienced repeated pregnancy losses, it is important to discuss this with a qualified healthcare professional.
Your doctor may review your medical history and recommend investigations to help determine whether there are factors that require further evaluation.
The appropriate assessment depends on your individual medical history and circumstances.
5. You Have Had Previous Fertility Treatment
If you have previously undergone fertility treatment without achieving pregnancy, a specialist can review your treatment history and discuss what options may be appropriate going forward.
Previous treatment does not automatically determine what your next treatment should be. A specialist will need to consider your medical history, previous investigations and treatment response.
Can Fertility Problems Affect Men Too?
Yes.
Fertility is not exclusively a woman’s health issue. Problems affecting sperm production, sperm movement, sperm quality and other aspects of male reproductive health can contribute to difficulty conceiving.
For this reason, fertility assessment may involve both partners where appropriate.
A comprehensive evaluation can help avoid assuming that fertility difficulties are caused by only one person.
What Happens During a Fertility Assessment?
A fertility assessment is usually based on your individual circumstances.
Your healthcare provider may discuss:
- Your medical history
- Your menstrual cycle
- Previous pregnancies
- Previous fertility treatment
- Medications
- Previous surgeries
- Existing medical conditions
- How long you have been trying to conceive
- Relevant family medical history
Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may recommend additional investigations.
These may include laboratory tests, imaging or other fertility-related assessments.
The purpose is to gather enough information to understand the possible factors affecting conception and determine what should happen next.
What Fertility Treatments Are Available?
Fertility treatment depends on the underlying cause, your medical history and other individual factors.
Treatment may involve addressing an underlying medical condition, medication or assisted reproductive techniques.
Depending on the circumstances, assisted reproductive treatment may include procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Arctic Gynae Centre provides Advanced Reproductive Treatment as part of its reproductive healthcare services.
It is important to remember that fertility treatment is not one-size-fits-all. A treatment that may be appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another.
Your doctor should assess your circumstances and explain the available options before treatment begins.
What Is the Difference Between IUI and IVF?
IUI and IVF are both assisted reproductive techniques, but they involve different procedures.
With IUI, prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.
With IVF, eggs are retrieved and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory before an embryo is transferred into the uterus.
The choice between treatments depends on several factors, including the cause of infertility, medical history, age and previous treatment.
If you are considering fertility treatment, a specialist can help you understand which options may be relevant to your circumstances.
Should You Wait Before Seeking Fertility Advice?
Many people delay seeking help because they believe they should simply continue trying.
However, the appropriate time to seek medical advice depends on several factors, including age, reproductive history, existing medical conditions and how long you have been trying to conceive.
If you have concerns about your fertility, there is no need to diagnose the problem yourself.
Speaking with a qualified healthcare professional can help you understand whether an assessment is appropriate.
How to Choose a Fertility Specialist in Lagos
If you are searching for a fertility specialist in Lagos, consider the following:
Relevant medical experience
Look for qualified healthcare professionals with experience in reproductive and fertility care.
Comprehensive assessment
A good fertility service should take time to understand your medical history rather than immediately recommending a particular treatment.
Access to investigations
Fertility assessment may require laboratory testing, imaging or other investigations. Having access to relevant diagnostic services can make the assessment process more convenient.
Range of treatment options
Depending on the clinic and your individual circumstances, fertility care may include medical treatment and assisted reproductive techniques such as IUI and IVF.
Personalised care
Every fertility journey is different. Your healthcare provider should explain your options clearly and give you the opportunity to ask questions before making decisions about treatment.
Fertility Care in Lagos
Arctic Gynae Centre provides gynaecology, reproductive health and fertility-related services for women and families in Lagos.
Our Gynaecology service provides fertility workups and treatment, while our Advanced Reproductive Treatment services provide access to assisted reproductive care.
If you are experiencing difficulty conceiving or have concerns about your reproductive health, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional is an important first step.
You can book a consultation with Arctic Gynae Centre to discuss your individual circumstances with our medical team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a fertility specialist?
The appropriate time depends on factors such as your age, medical history, reproductive history and how long you have been trying to conceive. If you have concerns about your fertility, discussing them with a qualified healthcare professional can help determine whether an assessment is appropriate.
Can both men and women have fertility problems?
Yes. Fertility difficulties can involve factors affecting either partner or both partners. A comprehensive fertility assessment may therefore consider both partners where appropriate.
Does having fibroids mean I cannot get pregnant?
Not necessarily. The effect of fibroids on fertility can vary depending on factors such as their size and location. If you have fibroids and are concerned about fertility, speak with a gynaecologist for an individual assessment.
Is IVF the only fertility treatment?
No. Fertility treatment depends on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. Depending on the situation, treatment may include medication, IUI, IVF or management of an underlying medical condition.
Where can I get fertility care in Lagos?
Arctic Gynae Centre provides fertility-related assessment and treatment as part of its gynaecology and reproductive health services. You can book a consultation to discuss your fertility concerns with the medical team.
Arctic Gynae Centre
R5, Atlantic Vista Estate, Olokonla, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos
Phone: +234 913 215 9156
Email: info@arcticobgyn.com
